Above 1200 Sq/FT Finally build my, long needed, shop

[Homebody]

Not likely Cap! It would feel empty if I ever get the 68’ sold.

PM me info on the 68 please. Have a couple friends looking for something in that era.

Loving the Caddy/GMC build!!

 

[Michael B.]

Yesterday morning I headed out in the rain for scales. The ol’ 68’ was feeling the load but never complained. I took it slow and steady. When I arrived at the scrap yard I had the place to myself, just what I was hoping for. I rolled across the scales at 9260 lbs. I spent more time talking with the claw operator and showing him the 68’, than it took for him to relieve the trailer of its load. A perfect grab and lift, with no scratches on the borrowed trailer and nothing falling out of the Caddy. Back across the scales 3240 lbs lighter and then back to the house. All in all a perfect trip. I didn’t spin a tire in the yard. The spot I parked in is high ground.

Today I finished cleaning up the shop. I sorted and stored all of the remaining Caddy parts and started posting the good used parts on Marketplace. Maybe I can get back to turning wrenches on the GMC soon.

 

[Michael B.]

I have a friend that bought A LOT of stuff from a local manufacturer that was closing down. He didn’t have room for this Hamilton cabinet and it was sitting outside, so I made him an offer on it. He through in the wooden toolbox for free.

 

[hobie18]

Just read the whole thread. Recall someone saying sheetrock will never touch this....

 

[Michael B.]

I was needing more flat surface/work area (don’t we all) when I found this rolling bench on the side of the road. I had already planned on building one, but I seriously don’t have time for another project. I may do a little R&R on it down the road, but for now it will be serviceable as it is.

 

[captain14]

It came with that classic patina look too!

Do all 4 wheels move freely?

 

[Michael B.]

It came with that classic patina look too!

Do all 4 wheels move freely?

Hey Cap, the patina certainly fits right in. The wheels are the best part of the whole bench. All 4 roll smoothly and pivot nicely. Even if I tossed all of the wood the wheels were worth stopping for.

 

[Michael B.]

This afternoon I clearanced the front cross member for the radiator. Then I removed the wiring harness to discover there really is an engine hidden in that jungle. That harness weighs about 30 lbs.

 

[Michael B.]

I managed to get a few minutes to install the drive train for the initial fit test. Not much difficulty. It looks like there will be plenty of clearance for everything. There will be plenty of issues to work out in the future.

 

[Michael B.]

I think it’s a keeper. I started working on the brake booster final mounting position. With the engine and transmission in place I can check for interference. So far only minor adjustments are needed. Next I will see if the hydro booster from the Caddy will bolt to my bracket.

 

[Michael B.]

I ordered a of dollies and the caddy from Vevor last weekend. While I’m not keen on their shipping process, I am pleased with the functionality of the dollies. They work as expected. I moved the 56’ from the lift bay to the middle bay in about 15 minutes with a low amount of exertion. These units are ratchet style vs hydraulic.

 

[Michael B.]

The caddy works well also.

 

[jcarapet]

I ordered a of dollies and the caddy from Vevor last weekend. While I’m not keen on their shipping process, I am pleased with the functionality of the dollies. They work as expected. I moved the 56’ from the lift bay to the middle bay in about 15 minutes with a low amount of exertion. These units are ratchet style vs hydraulic.

What weight rating on these? Been wanting them but worried about ordering for my highboy due to weight.

 

[Michael B.]

What weight rating on these? Been wanting them but worried about ordering for my highboy due to weight.

These Dollie’s are rated at 1500 lbs each.

 

[Michael B.]

A milestone for the GMC build was accomplished today. After fussing way too long with the frame bracket for the brake booster, I finally got it tacked into place. Now I can mount the booster and master cylinder. Overall I’m pleased with the results. This enables me to keep the brake pedal in the stock location. Which also means no brake booster mounted to the firewall.

After the correct transmission mount is installed, I have a plate of 3/16” steel to gusset the frame with. The entire mechanism weighs about 20 lbs. With pedal actuation the frame will flex.

 

[Swanny1953]

Are you doing a remote fill, or cutting a hole in the floor to access the MC? My '51 Woodie came with a hole cut in the floor and an inspection cover to be able to access the MC for fluid maintenance.

 

[Michael B.]

Are you doing a remote fill, or cutting a hole in the floor to access the MC? My '51 Woodie came with a hole cut in the floor and an inspection cover to be able to access the MC for fluid maintenance.

So the 56’ has a hole in the floor to allow access for filling the MC. I may relocate the hole later.

 

[captain14]

After the original bracket that held my clutch slave cylinder failed (multiple times-poor design), I had a neighbor fabricate a much beefier bracket similar to yours . No issues Afterward.

 

[Michael B.]

After the original bracket that held my clutch slave cylinder failed (multiple times-poor design), I had a neighbor fabricate a much beefier bracket similar to yours . No issues Afterward.

Capt’n I’m trying to avoid this very scenario. I used a 6”x 6” x 3/16th angle iron w/ 3/16” gussets. The booster and MC setup weighs about 20 lbs. During the test fit and installation process, when operating the mechanism by hand, I could apply enough force to see the frame flex downward. So a frame stiffener/gusset will eventually be installed.

 

[Michael B.]

I started laying out my steering setup to see what I would need to connect everything. First the old gear box had to go.



Then I repaired a couple of spots on the frame. These chassis are notorious for cracking behind the steering gear box.



Then I installed the old gear box and the column so I could see what it is going to take to make the connection.



I had to be sure to leave room for an original automatic transmission shifter.

 

[jbrentd]

Love seeing the updates on the project truck!

 

[Michael B.]

Love seeing the updates on the project truck!

Thank you sir.

 

[Michael B.]

Yesterday was a bucket list day for me. I had the opportunity to visit the Land Cruiser Heritage museum in Salt Lake City Utah. What a terrific place with wonderful people. I highly recommend visiting if you ever have the opportunity.

 

[Wombat Ranger]

Nice looking shop. You've done a great job. I'll keep plugging away at mine, one day it will facilitate projects instead of being the project!

 

[Michael B.]

Nice looking shop. You've done a great job. I'll keep plugging away at mine, one day it will facilitate projects instead of being the project!

Thanks Wombat. Just keep at it, you will get there.

 

[Michael B.]

Today I made a decision and took action on that decision. I have decided to keep my 68’ Chevy pickup and install an LT1/4L60e combo. The 327/turbo 400 has a bit over 80k on it and is about to need some major work.

Shenanigans to follow!

 

[Michael B.]

Changing channels, the USPS got around to delivering a part I ordered 3 weeks ago, so today I installed it. Since I cut the steering column off of the gearbox, I needed a lower support bearing. Now I can move forward with the column installation.

 

[Michael B.]

Yesterday I had to fall back and regroup. I discovered there are some major differences between a 4 speed steering column and a hydramatic steering column (see the pictures below). The 4 speed column is completely smooth except for a centering tab for the turn signal cup. There are also appears to be a grounding strip at the base of the hydramatic column. Who knew





With all of that monkey business sorted out, I made good progress on the the steering column installation. The top end is complete.

 

[Michael B.]

I reassembled the bottom end of the column today. There will need to be a minor adjustment later. So far I’m pleased with fitment.

 

[Michael B.]

No progress to report on the GMC this weekend.

I shifted gears, while waiting on parts, and started working on the LT1/4L60E I bought last month to re-power the 68’ with.
I separated the engine from the transmission and mounted the engine on the stand.



Then I tagged all of the connectors on the harness. I removed the harness and ECU.



Next I removed the smog pump.



After that I removed the accessories.



Now it’s ready for inspection.



BTW the security team spent the day in the break room.



I thought this was an interesting shot.

 

[captain14]

Michael B,

What your system for organizing all the small parts and fasteners after you do the teardown?

Did the security team even check the snow scene outside via the window or door while on duty? I know my cat still perches at her window spots to watch her TV (the great outdoors).

 

[Michael B.]

Michael B,

What your system for organizing all the small parts and fasteners after you do the teardown?

Did the security team even check the snow scene outside via the window or door while on duty? I know my cat still perches at her window spots to watch her TV (the great outdoors).

Cap,
I continue to tag and bag the small items during disassembly.

As to the security team’s awareness of the changing weather conditions, Bob looked out the open and turned around and walked away. Storm stepped out on the front porch, looked around and thought better of remaining outside.

 

[Michael B.]

I attended a swap meet in Nashville Saturday morning and brought back a little something for the shop. I have wanted a bull skull for a while but until Saturday they have been cost prohibitive. I snuck up in this one for $50.00.

 

[Michael B.]

I have been making small amounts of progress on the 56’ lately. I have had to wait on parts occasionally. I have been working on the steering setup. I made this bracket to secure the base of the column. It will be sandwiched between the stock colum base plate and the the stock base plate gasket. Then it will have a T-bolt clamp around the fingers.



This weekend I finished installing the sector shaft. I had to order the headers. The upper u-joint was touching the stock manifold. Now I have sufficient clearance on the upper u-joint and the frame.



I’m pretty happy with the new exhaust manifolds.

 

[Michael B.]

Friday afternoon we left work early, so I made the trip to a neighboring town and picked up an engine run stand I have had my eye on. It will fold flat for storage.



Saturday morning I made a pre-dawn trip to Nashville for a stock used exhaust system for the S2000. The drone of the aftermarket exhaust on my daily driver is no fun.

 

[SilverJimmy]

In the first picture of the run stand I see a radiant heater. My local NAPA sells them, how does it work? I’m trying to figure out my options for heat in my new shop, looking at everything from forced air, pellet stoves, ceiling radiant heat tubes and/or multiple mini-splits. Run stand looks very nice, who made it?
Thanks!

 

[Michael B.]

In the first picture of the run stand I see a radiant heater. My local NAPA sells them, how does it work? I’m trying to figure out my options for heat in my new shop, looking at everything from forced air, pellet stoves, ceiling radiant heat tubes and/or multiple mini-splits. Run stand looks very nice, who made it?
Thanks!

Jimmy the heater is a Val 6. I highly recommend it. It runs on diesel or kerosene, I’m using off road diesel (much cheaper). It will raise the shop temp 10* in about 30 mins. It has a thermostat that works very well. So far I have only use 10 gallons of fuel this winter. I keep the shop at 60-62 degrees. Any warmer and it’s uncomfortable to work in. It’s pretty powerful, so you need clear space in front of it.
The run stand is made by a fellow in Tuscumbia and sells the on marketplace.

 

[SilverJimmy]

Sounds like it works well. Does it ever stink like a kerosene salamander heater? Can you set it at a low temperature, about 45 degrees for freeze protection and then let it run unattended? How long does it run off a full tank of diesel? Sorry for the twenty questions, but I’m very concerned about my new shop and how to keep it from freezing!
Thanks again!

 

[Michael B.]

@silver Jimmy Jim there is a small amount of smoke upon initial start up. There is a little diesel smell to it, but after that there’s no smell/fumes. The instructions say to not let it run unattended. I have not needed to run it long term or overnight. My shop never gets below 40* so I don’t have to worry about freezing temperatures internally.

 

[Michael B.]

It was a busy day. After the Men’s breakfast I had 2 oil changes waiting on me. Then I removed the aftermarket exhaust system and replaced it with the OEM system. I am much happier with the sound level in the cockpit with the top up. After that it was time to take out for her birthday dinner.